Q517--Urgent/Emergent First Fill Pharmaceutical COntract Southeast Louisiana Healthcare System

The purpose of this Amendment 0001 is to correct the closing time and date discrepancy on the combined synopsis/solicitation.

The closing time and date is September 11, 2020 at 3:00 P.M. Central time.

All other terms and conditions remain the same.

Attachment 2: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

General Information

Document Type:

Combined Solicitation/Synopsis

Solicitation Number:

36C25620Q1157

Posted Date:

8/19/2020

Response Date:

9/11/2020 at 3:00P.M. Central

Product or Service Code:

Q517

Set Aside:

100% SDVOSB

NAICS Code:

446110

Contracting Office Address

2495 Hwy 71 South

Pineville LA 71360

Description

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; Quotations are being requested, and a written solicitation document will not be issued.

This solicitation is a Request for Quotations (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2020-08.

The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 446110, with a small business size standard of $27.5 Million.

The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System is seeking to purchase Urgent/Emergent First Fill Pharmaceutical Services.

All interested companies shall provide a quotation for the following:

Services

SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA VETERANS HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70119

Urgent and Emergent Medications

SCOPE OF WORK: The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS), 2400 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, requires an external vendor with the capability to dispense prescription medications for patients served by the medical center and the below listed Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) during urgent and emergent situations where SLVHCS and/or its CBOCs and internal pharmacies may be unavailable due to natural or manmade disasters as well as first-fill pharmacy services for patients with an urgent or emergency need for medication for a base period and (1) Option Year (OY).

Locations: The site of the pharmacy must be in a reasonable proximity of the medical center or its CBOCs. The following is a list of locations:

2400 Canal Street

New Orleans, LA 70119

1131 South Morrison Boulevard

Hammond, LA 70403

7968 Essen Park Ave.

Baton Rouge, LA 70809

60491 Doss Dr Ste B

Slidell, LA 70460

521 Ontario Avenue

Bogalusa, LA 70427

4004 West Airline Hwy.

Reserve, LA 70084

603 Haifleigh Street

Franklin, LA 70538

6433 West Park Avenue

Houma, LA 70364

General Requirements for SLVHCS

Hours of Service: The contractor at a minimum will provide pharmaceutical services from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The CBOCs usual hours of operation are from 8 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Dispensing pharmacies must be able to accept the written prescriptions on VA Form 10-2577F, Security Prescription Form. Should the state in which the dispensing pharmacy operate require other than the VA Form 10-2577F, Security Prescription Form, it will be the contractor s responsibility to provide the VA Medical Center, Chief of Pharmacy, with the regulation/requirement ordering addresses, and ordering information needed to provide the CBOC with the proper security form.

SLVHCS patients must be able to pick up their medication at minimum from pharmacies in the CVS Caremark, Walgreens, Walmart, and Rite Aid networks.

Medications dispensed will be generic medications whenever possible. Brand name drugs to be dispensed only if no generic form of the drug exists in the marketplace.

Medications to be covered under this contract which typically should be started immediately or should not have an interruption in therapy include

Antibiotics

Acute care pain medications

Insulin

Medications that require monitoring levels (e.g., valproic acid)

Medications that may have rebound or withdrawal effects (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, clonidine, and beta-blockers)

Albuterol inhalers or nebulizer solution

A patient s supply will be limited to a maximum of 14 days except in the instance that the drug is in a discrete package and cannot be dispensed in a smaller quantity than the package size (EX: inhaler, dosepak, insulin vial).

This contractual arrangement is not to be utilized for non-urgent/emergent medications.

This contract is not to be utilized for refills except for medications that should not have an interruption in therapy as described above.

The contractor must follow the national VA formulary but also be able to allow for custom formulary edits by SLVHCS, including the ability to restrict dispensing of certain products. These edits must take effect within two business days.

VA beneficiaries will pick up their prescriptions at the dispensing pharmacy. No prescriptions are to be mailed or delivered.

The contractor is responsible for assuring that all persons, whether they be employees, agents, sub-contractors, or anyone acting for or on behalf of the contractor, are properly licensed at all times under applicable state law and/or regulations and may be subject to privileging and or background checks by the VA.

The contractor shall provide Pharmacy Management Services to include traditional prescription screening, dispensing and counseling services (by a registered and licensed pharmacist) to eligible veterans.

Printed drug information will be provided to each patient to supplement verbal instructions. These services will require a medication history and check for allergies, interactions and duplications.

Pharmacies authorized to fill prescriptions under the contractor s plan must agree to the following conditions:

The contractor and its contract pharmacies shall keep all information concerning VA beneficiaries confidential and shall not release or disclose information to any person, except as authorized in writing and according to all applicable laws. The Privacy Act of 1974, public Law 93-579 applies to this contract.

Representatives of the VA are authorized to visit the premises of any pharmacy filling VA prescriptions under the contractor s plan during business hours for the purpose of auditing and evaluation, which may include the inspection of clinical records. VA representative shall give access during regular business hours, and upon reasonable notice, to such books, records, invoices, and prescription files as deemed necessary to verify claim information, prescription volume, and the usual and customary charges to the general public for covered prescriptions.

Contract pharmacies shall maintain a log of VA prescriptions filled and have the patient sign next to each prescription number for each prescription received. A copy of the log shall be maintained at the contract pharmacy and be readily accessible for random VA inspection.

All adverse drug events reported to the contractor s pharmacies by beneficiaries of the VA will be reported to Pharmacy Services at SLVHCS in New Orleans, LA. Adverse drug events include dispensing errors, drug allergies, and adverse drug reactions.

Pharmaceutical care provided to beneficiaries under this contract shall meet all standards applicable to the current Joint Commission accreditation manual for Ambulatory Care/Pharmaceutical Services.

Medical supplies such as catheters, ostomy supplies, and wound care supplies for outpatients are to be covered.

Pharmaceutical compounding services are to be covered when no commercial product is available. All compounding must be performed by Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB)-accredited pharmacies.

Schedule of Insurance: The contractor shall procure and maintain for the entire contract period: Workmen's Compensation and employer's general liability Insurance. Prior to contract award, the contractor shall certify to the Contracting Officer in writing and provided documentation that the required insurance has been obtained. The parties agree that such personnel shall not be considered a VA employee for any purpose and shall be considered employees of the contractor.

Price Schedule: The contract rate is an all-inclusive rate. No separate fees will be allowed for such incidental costs of malpractice insurance coverage, supplies, equipment, etc. The price for the medications will be based on a negotiated percentage of the Average Wholesale Price (AWP) and a dispensing fee. The total price charge to the VA shall not exceed that charged to the general public and shall not exceed the price charged by the contractor s lowest third-party reimbursement plan.

Contractor shall provide dispensing fee prescription and discounts offered, as well as indicate the AWP source (Blue Book, Medispan, or Red Book) it is using to base their discount on after aware to the COR.

Environment of Care: The contractor shall maintain a clean and safe environment always.

Contracting with Parties Listed on the OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities: In accordance with HIPAA and the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1977, the Office of Inspector General has established a list of parties and entities excluded from Federal health care programs. Specifically, the listed parties and entities may not receive Federal payments due to fraud and/or abuse of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The list of excluded individuals/entities can be found on the OIG web site at www.hhs.gov/oig. At the signing of the contract, the contractor is affirming that OIG site has been reviewed and that none of the contractor s employees are on this list.

Payments shall be processed monthly, in arrears, upon submission of a properly prepared invoice.

Invoices: The monthly summary invoice shall include a subtotal of each clinic with the number of scripts written at that clinic and the overall costs. There shall also be an attached spreadsheet that reflects: Patient s name, last 4 of social security number, medication, days fill, total medication dispensed and cost for each of the clinics.

Please e-mail the same information, encrypted, to COR or designee.

The Government reserves the right to fill any prescription covered under this contract using its own resources and/or staff.

Under the authority of Public Law 104-262 and 38 USC 8153, the contractor agrees to provide Health Care Resources in accordance with the terms and conditions stated herein, to furnish the services and prices specified in this contract.

Period of Performance: 10/01/2020 09-30-2021 (base year), 10/1/2021 9/30/2022 (option year 1)

PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

0001

12,000.00

EA

__________________

__________________

Prescription fills

Contract Period: Base

1001

12,000.00

EA

__________________

__________________

Prescription fills

Contract Period: Option 1

GRAND TOTAL

__________________

*the Government intends on sending the lowest price quote to technical evaluation. After the solicitation closing time and date. In the event the lowest price quote is not technically acceptable. The next lowest quote will be sent for evaluation.

The full text of FAR provisions or clauses may be accessed electronically at http://www.acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html (FAR)

http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/index.asp (VAAR)

The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition:

52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items OCT 2018

52.212-3, Offerors Representations and Certifications Commercial Items OCT 2018

52.204-7, System for Award Management OCT 2018

52.204-16, Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting JUL 2016

52.209-7, Information Regarding Responsibility Matters OCT 2018

852.209-70, Organizational Conflicts of Interest JAN 2008

852.270-1, Representatives of Contracting Officers JAN 2008

852.273-74, Award Without Exchanges JAN 2003

*Offerors must complete annual representations and certifications electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) website located at https://www.sam.gov/portal in accordance with FAR 52.212-3, Offerors Representations and Certifications Commercial Items. If paragraph (j) of the provision is applicable, a written submission is required.

The following contract clauses apply to this acquisition:

52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Items OCT 2018

52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders OCT 2018

52.204-9, Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel JAN 2011

52.204-13, System for Award Management Maintenance OCT 2018

52.204-18, Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance JUL 2016

52.217-8, Option to extend Services NOV 1999

52.217-9, Option to extend the Term of the Contract MAR 2000

52.232-18, Availability of Funds MAR 1984

52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors DEC 2013

852.203-70, Commercial Advertising MAY 2008

852.219-10, VA Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-aside JUL 2019

The following subparagraphs of FAR 52.212-5 are applicable:

(4) 52.204 10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Oct 2018) (Pub. L. 109 282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

(8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (OCT 2015) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note). (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (OCT 2019) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

(21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

(22)(i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C 632(a)(2)).

(27) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755). (28)(i) 52.222 26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O. 11246).

(29) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015). (30)(i) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUL 2014) (29 U.S.C. 793).

(30)(i) 52.222 26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O. 11246).

(32)(i) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUL 2014) (29 U.S.C. 793).

(35)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (JAN 2019) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(44) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (AUG 2011)

(51) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (JUN 2008) (E.O.'s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

(57) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer System for Award Management (Oct 2018) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

(C)(2) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(C)(3) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(C) (8) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (DEC 2015).

(C) (9) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2017) (E.O. 13706).

This is an open-market combined synopsis/solicitation for services as defined herein.  The government intends to award a Firm Fixed Price Contract as a result of this combined synopsis/solicitation that will include the terms and conditions set forth herein. To facilitate the award process, all quotes must include a statement regarding the terms and conditions herein as follows:

"The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document without modification, deletion, or addition."

OR

"The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document with the exception, deletion, or addition of the following:"

Quoter shall list exception(s) and rationale for the exception(s).

Any questions or concerns regarding this solicitation should be forwarded in writing via e-mail to James Rasco at james.rasco@va.gov.

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

This acquisition is being procured using Simplified Acquisition Procedures under the authority of FAR Part 13 procedures. This solicitation is 100% SDVOSB Set-Aside. which includes all CLIN items being requested in the solicitation. The Government intends to solicit this requirement and award a subsequent contract without discussions, clarifications, or negotiations. However, if necessary, the Government will seek clarification and additional information for offers that are submitted from any eligible offeror. Offerors are encouraged to provide their best offer initially because the opportunity to enter into discussions or to provide a better offer at a later time will not be possible. The Government intends to award to the offeror whose offer represents the best value to the government after consideration of all technical and price factors. FAR Part 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items: does not apply to this solicitation. Pursuant to FAR subpart 13.106-2, the Government will award a Firm-Fixed Price contract to a single successful offeror/contractor whose offer/quote in response to this solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government. Award will be made to the lowest priced offeror that meets or exceeds ALL requirements of this solicitation and the Statement of Work (SOW).

OFFER SUBMISSION GUIDANCE:

Offer Submission Guidance: Offers shall be submitted via e-mail only to James Rasco at james.rasco@va.gov. Offers shall be submitted on or before the close date/time as specified in this solicitation. Offers are due no later than Friday, September 11, 2020, by 3:00 p.m. CDT (New Orleans, LA). Any contractor submissions or requests for information about this RFQ received after the closing date and time of this solicitation (for any reason) are late and shall not be considered. It is unlikely that the solicitation close date will be extended so offerors are encouraged to respond on or before the close date with their best offer.

Solicitation Questions: Questions about this solicitation shall be accepted up until Friday, September 4, 2020, by 3:00 p.m. CDT (New Orleans, LA). Questions shall be submitted via e-mail only to James Rasco at james.rasco@va.gov. No additional questions or requests for information/clarification shall be accepted after that time. Questions/answers will be posted via an amendment to this solicitation. It is the responsibility of the contractor to monitor Beta.SAM for any and all amendments to this solicitation. Questions shall only be accepted from those parties who are an interested party to this solicitation.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR OFFER PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION

Offerors shall submit their offer in two volumes as detailed in this section of the solicitation. All offers shall conform to the solicitation provisions and be prepared in accordance with this section. Offers shall be clearly and concisely written as well as neat, indexed (cross indexed as appropriate) and be logically assembled. All pages shall be appropriately numbered, and the font chosen should be easily readable. Each volume will be separated by section and will include a Table of Contents identifying each section.

OVERALL ARRANGEMENT OF OFFERS

Volume 1 will contain responses to Technical Capability evaluation criteria. Technical Capability is comprised of the following factors: A. Relevant Experience, B. Personnel Qualifications, Capabilities, and Certifications, and C. Schedule. This volume will be clearly marked on the outside and on the cover page with the Offeror s name, the solicitation number, and the title Technical Proposal. Such input/feedback is necessary to ensure that potential offerors are specifically addressing the specific requirements of this solicitation and the SOW in relation to their relevant qualifications and related experience to this requirement. Volume 1 must not contain any pricing information.

Volume 2 will contain the information required under the price factors listed below. This volume will be clearly marked on the outside and on the cover page with the Offeror s name, the solicitation number, and the title Price Proposal .

a) Pricing shall be entered as required on the pricing schedule and totaled at the bottom of the pricing schedule.

VOLUME 1 TECHNICAL Volume

Technical Capability Offerors shall submit documentation to prove their capability to perform the services described in the SOW. Offerors should address all aspects of the statement of work in sufficient detail to show a complete understanding of the requirement and a well-formed plan to execute the tasks required. The offeror s proposal shall contain information demonstrating the relevance of the Offeror's experience as it relates to. Relevant experience is defined as experience that is the same as, related to and/or or is similar to the current need requirement.

The Offeror shall submit the following as part of Volume I:

Factor A: Experience:

The offeror s proposal shall contain information demonstrating the relevance of the Offeror's experience as it relates to the SOW, in order to accomplish tasks/deliverables.

Factor B: Personnel Qualifications, Capabilities, and Certifications

The personnel required for the successful execution of this requirement are identified in the SOW. Offerors shall include as part of their submission a description of the skills, abilities, knowledge, and certifications of the personnel who will be responsible for carrying out tasks. Documentation which includes (but is not limited to) resumes, certifications, credentials, and education documents should be submitted that verifies the relevant experience, education, and knowledge of these individuals. Individuals shall demonstrate experience in projects of similar scope, nature, and duration, with examples if available. Personnel who will be provided to execute this requirement shall be available at the appropriate times and durations.

Factor C: Schedule

Offerors shall submit documentation to prove their ability to meet the performance schedule as defined in the SOW. Offerors shall be specific on their plan to ensure timely performance of all required tasks within the appropriate/necessary time windows that are outlined in the SOW. The Offeror's proposal shall demonstrate the Offeror's understanding of the requirements and describe how the Offeror proposes to meet anticipated/projected dates when completing these tasks. A projected schedule which indicates the ability to successfully complete tasks/deliverable (within the appropriate time windows) should be included.

VOLUME 2 PRICE Volume

Price Offeror shall include in this section the following items:

a) Pricing entered as required on the pricing schedule and totaled at the bottom of the pricing schedule.

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS COMMERCIAL ITEMS

Provisions that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

Evaluation Criteria

Lowest Price Technically Acceptable

Basis of Award:

A Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable procurement is being conducted. As such, award will be made on the basis of the lowest evaluated price of proposals meeting or exceeding the acceptability standards for the non-cost factor. Past Performance history will be considered for responsibility determination purposes only (FAR 9.104-1(c). The evaluation factors are as follows:

Factor 1-Price

Factor 2-Technical

Under the technical factor, each offeror s responses will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis or acceptable/unacceptable basis. This determination will be based on the offeror demonstrating in its proposal a technical solution that minimally meets the technical requirements specified in the Solicitation s Statement of Work.

Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.

Factor 1 PRICE: Prices will be evaluated on the basis of price fairness and reasonableness.

Factor 2 TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES/APPROACH: Offerors must submit relevant information demonstrating technical capability to satisfactorily perform the following requirement as expressed in the Statement of Work in the Solicitation.

Point of Contact

James Rasco

Alexandria VAHCS

2495 Hwy 71 South

Pineville LA 71360

james.rasco@va.gov